Friday, January 24, 2014

I finally got around to making the Two Roads Hat; a pattern of decisions. I like the textured pattern that makes up the crown. The original plan was to make Version Two and add a crocheted flower. After about 15 rip backs resulting from me trying to add extra rows to parts of the band, I gave up and opted for a band of half double crochet ribbing. I'll share more about this stitch and my fascination with it next time :)

So, I finished my alternate band (in one try-thank goodness) and then plans changed again. I scratched making a crocheted flower because I thought a needle felted flower would be nice since I had a flat surface to work on.

After all of the changes, I'm still happy with the results and also decided to make a pair of cuffs with the extra yarn.

Oh yeah, the yarn. I almost forgot to tell you. Both came from a local yarn shop. The blue is a somewhat coarse aran weight and the brown a softer and finer sport weight. I figured the blue would be great for warmth and the brown good for warmth too yet soft on the face and ears. I've searched high and low for the labels, but with no luck. I had the skeins wound into balls at the shop, so I'm thinking the labels were lost in transit. The natural I used for the needle felting is the merino roving I told you about and the green is scrap wool yarn I found in my stash.

So if you are like me and like options, this is a great pattern to try. The pattern was easy to follow and has great pictures. It's definitely going in my tried and true, go to file.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

I just finished a project with one of the natural yarns I told you about previously and I love it.

I loved creating this pair using textured cotton yarn (Organic Inca Cotton in Natural by Galler Yarns) and back loop half double crochet.The yarn was easy on my hands and it added depth and excitement to a repetitive stitch pattern. This particular cotton yarn is also incredibly durable. It was able to withstand multiple rip backs and still looks great (phew).I also used one of my tried and true go to stitches, the half double crochet rib stitch. I love half double crochet ribbing because of its versatility, texture, and flexibility.These two favorites of mine make the perfect pair; my ~winter romance~ patterns now available: cottony cowl, charming cuffs, rosy heart

Friday, January 10, 2014

the little heart that opened my heart to my wide world of crafty friends

the little heart that restored my confidence in me

the little heart that grew a deeper love for me and

all of the awesome things and people I love

I had a lot of fun getting my hands dirty again. I forgot how much I enjoy this heart.

I love hearts and I love roses, so I was on a quest to make a crocheted version of the two combined. At first, I searched everywhere for a rose heart pattern. Finally, I took a leap and tried to make what was in my mind myself. I started out with a pattern for a swirly rose I found and kept playing with it until I was satisfied.

When I decided to share it, I was surprised yet delighted with the response I received.

Unfortunately, the first written version, was not too great. I feel good about this sprucing up and hope it is easier to understand. My wish is that you are able to enjoy it as much as I do.

Monday, January 6, 2014

So I've decided to begin the year with a new blog. It was way past time to "clean house" - and the timing seemed just right. The ringing in of a new year seemed to awaken sleeping ideas and the purifying ways of old man winter seemed to put to rest that which needed to be put to rest. It's really reassuring to feel in sync with my surroundings like so.

This cleaning house also led me to my yarn stash. While sorting it (again), I found myself drawn to the variety of natural (ecru) colored yarns and fiber.

First to move from stash to current projects was this Organic Inca Cotton by Galler Yarns. I'm thinking a versatile cowl and matching mitts.

Some had designated projects, like this Fyberspates Scrumptious 4-Ply which was initially intended to become a lacy shrug. I'm thinking about taking a knitting adventure.

Others I just fell in love with. Once I touched this most wonderful Merino roving. I couldn't leave without it.
I'm thinking some needle felted embellishments to start.

I love this color because it's perfect to pair with a wonderful complex stitch pattern or a simple stitch that can later showcase embroidery or some other type of embellishment. Yarns and fiber this color are my perfect little blank canvases, just like a yard filled with fresh snow.

I'm just like I am when it actually is snowy outside. I'm excited just the same. I keep looking at them. Like I constantly look out of the window when it's snowing. I secretly wish for plenty just as I hope for mounds of snow.

I have some great ideas in mind. I can't wait to jump into my snowy fiber and spread my wings like an angel. What a heavenly feeling.

I look forward to keeping you posted and sharing more journeys with you. I wish you a new year full of goodness and excitement and love for your crafty endeavors.

Heartfully Yours,
Mia

P.S. Thank you all so much for all of your very kind words. I'm so happy I am going to start blogging again. If not, I would have missed out on the company of such an extraordinary bunch. It is your company that makes a somewhat of a hermit like myself feel extremely lucky and satisfied with sharing myself in such a public arena. You are my family away from family. Much love to you all.

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Disclaimer

My hopes for this blog include to enable others to experience the joys of handiwork. I am far from an expert on any aspect of the subject area. I just have a passion for it and enjoy sharing that passion with others. I am good for making up a way to do something when I can't find a way in a book or elsewhere. I am good for doing things in unconventional ways. I don't always use the "proper" lingo and I don't always execute tasks the "normal" way. This disclaimer is by no way an excuse to mislead or make things difficult for anyone. It is just to say that I am a little weird (proudly), I am not perfect and I make mistakes. I welcome and urge you to bring mistakes to my personal attention and I am willing to help anyone in anyway I can. I just ask that you please be kind, patient and bear with me on this journey. Thanks so much.